Description
Book SynopsisThe inescapable reality of death has given rise to much of literature''s most profound and moving work. D. J. Enright''s wonderfully eclectic selection presents the words of poet and novelist, scientist and philosopher, mystic and sceptic. And alongside these ''professional'' writers, he allows the voices of ordinary people to be heard; for this is a subject on which there are no real experts and wisdom lies in many unexpected places.
Trade ReviewReview from previous edition learned, original, serious, yet always enjoyable, as well as frequently surprising * Geoffrey Grigson *
extensive and enjoyable ... first rate * Anthony Powell, Daily Telegraph *
a tonic as well as a wholesome draught of mortality * John Carey, Sunday Times *
salutary, sometimes breathtaking, finally life-enhancing * Times Educational Supplement *
excellent ... [Enright] has gathered a fine harvest and cleverly kept melancholy in check * The Guardian *
Table of ContentsEditor's Note ; Introduction ; Definitions ; Views and Attitudes ; The Hour of Death ; Suicide ; Mourning ; Graveyards and Funerals ; Resurrections and Immortalities ; Hereafters ; Revenants ; War, Plague and Persecution ; Love and Death ; Children ; Animals ; Epitaphs, Requiems and Last Words ; Acknowledgements ; Indexes
